By Madison Verrill
Five years ago, Nichole Herring was enjoying a delicious meal surrounded by friends and family. It had been a busy and stressful day as she was co-hosting a Friendsgiving with some high school friends. Shortly after they finished, she began experiencing terrible chest pain. Nichole assumed the pain was indigestion and carried on with her evening. The pain gradually moved up her arm and into her shoulder and neck. Nichole’s discomfort grew, and it was a friend who eventually convinced her she needed to seek medical attention. Her concerned husband drove her to the ER. There, her doctor confirmed her fear, that she was experiencing a heart attack. Nichole’s thoughts immediately went to her family, “I wanted to talk to my parents, my girls, in case I needed to say goodbye”. During the moments she spent in the ambulance, a new fear washed over her, a fear of judgment. Nichole was over 300 lbs at the time and was worried the paramedics would believe that the situation she found herself in was her fault. She knew she had some risk factors for heart disease because she hadn’t been prioritizing her health. She’d been struggling with depression and had found it difficult to take care of herself mentally and physically. Throughout the ride to the hospital, she was scared and ashamed.
Shortly after her arrival to the hospital, Nichole was diagnosed with spontaneous coronary artery dissection or SCAD. SCAD occurs when the inner lining of the coronary arteries tear, allowing a space for blood to collect behind the lining of the vessel, ultimately leading to a blocked artery. “It’s not exactly that clear cut that it’s a lifestyle kind of situation” says Dr. Albracht when reflecting on her case. SCAD is relatively uncommon; however, it is becoming more widely recognized, specifically in women who are most likely to receive the diagnosis. Heart disease and heart attack symptoms can also be presented differently in women, making it difficult to diagnose. While lifestyle factors aren’t the sole cause of SCAD, Nichole’s caregivers took the time to explain her diagnosis and encourage her to implement lifestyle changes that would improve her cardiovascular and overall physical health. Nichole’s experience was a catalyst in motivating her to take control of her health. In the five years that have transpired since her diagnosis, Nichole has lost 130 pounds, and works out 5 days a week. “I enjoy it. I feel good about it. I feel good about myself”. Thanks to the care and education that Nichole’s team at AdventHealth provided, she now better understands the connection between mental and physical well-being. When reflecting on her entire experience at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission, she says, “I would recommend AdventHealth to anyone… they proved that they really cared about me and wanted to take care of me”.
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